Carbon Fiber Craze

[Ezana4CE]

A couple of years ago I recall a few members wrapping their reservoirs and barrels with carbon fiber wrap. It was novel at the time. Some did a very good job with theirs. Then more members were doing it and I thought, “Well if you like it, good for you.” Now manufacturers are shipping guns that look like DIY cosmetic jobs that hobbyists were doing in years past. I for one don’t like the look on my guns. That’s just my preference.

My questions are, do any members know if the carbon fiber seen on modern air rifles (aside from the carbon fiber bottles on bottle guns) serves any purpose besides maybe protecting the metal from scratches or protecting the finish? If it’s not a carbon fiber air reservoir, does wrapping it in a carbon fiber wrap have an added benefit to the reservoir? I’m asking because I don’t know.

 

[Firewalker]

As a protective layer, it's better than most but there are lots of reasons for CF in shrouds, liner covers and furniture.

Its very stiff and stable as well as lightweight.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Firewalker I think I saw something about a carbon fiber barrel stiffener or something like that, so that makes sense. What about on the reservoir? The shroud?

 

[Firewalker]

@Firewalker I think I saw something about a carbon fiber barrel stiffener or something like that, so that makes sense. What about on the reservoir? The shroud?

Wrap is completely superficial, it helps with abrasion only. CF shrouds are very still and light weight.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Firewalker Thanks. It’s the CF wrap I was wondering about.

 

[kayaker]

What I found out on the older marauders when you remove the wrap it took most of the finish off of the tube, I thought it look good 6 yrs. ago but not now. I do (x shrink wrap) on shrouds and would also do the bottles but not enough clearance for both. I'm talking about cricket tact II's

 

[Ezana4CE]

@kayaker Did use heat or solvent to remove it?

 

[kayaker]

No just pulled it off, stupid me never thought of heat. Not sure what process they use on their tanks and shrouds sure isn't what I'd call bluing lol. That automotive stuff sure grips so users beware.

 

[Ezana4CE]

No just pulled it off, stupid me never thought of heat. Not sure what process they use on their tanks and shrouds sure isn't what I'd call bluing lol. That automotive stuff sure grips so users beware.

@kayaker Isn’t that anodizing?

 

[kayaker]

@kayaker Isn’t that anodizing?

Ezana4CE you could be right but if it was it wasn't a very good job. Probably Rich at Air Gun Revisions would know. It wasn't like anodized aluminum it was almost transparent when I got done

 

[Kpac]

I installed mine as a barrel stiffener plus it looks nice and carbon bottles can hold more preasure

 

[kayaker]

I installed mine as a barrel stiffener plus it looks nice and carbon bottles can hold more preasure View attachment 493393

Kpac, nicely done , I'm colored blind but I take that is silver right ?

 

[Kpac]

Kpac, nicely done , I'm colored blind but I take that is silver right ?

Stainless steel carbon fiber and you got it good eye lol

 

[Kpac]

Stainless steel carbon fiber and you got it good eye lol

Check this one out custome pattern

 

[marflow 777]

carbon tubing could add stiffness if it was connected and carbon wrap is what wallpaper
shrouds are a great
i have use it for add OD that was needed

 

[Kpac]

Check this one out custome pattern View attachment 493397

 

[Sawney Bean]

I started liking it the first time I went to wipe down a carbon and aluminum gun and realized there was nothing that needed wiping.

 

[MikeVV]

Does anyone "know" if there are any actual carbon fiber air cylinders for current air powered guns ?
NOT wrapped aluminum like most all are, but actual, full carbon fiber ?

Don't want one, just curious.

Mike

 

[steve-l]

Does anyone "know" if there are any actual carbon fiber air cylinders for current air powered guns ?
NOT wrapped aluminum like most all are, but actual, full carbon fiber ?

Don't want one, just curious.

Mike

No. All CF would be extremely hazardous. CF is strong in only one direction.

 

[Peashooter]

When i changed from 600 to 700 mm barrel on my Maverick, buying the longer FX barrel shroud and sleeve was way too expensive.
So i got 3 X 1 M carbon fiber pipes from China, each fitting into the other with a light suction fit ( after some sanding ) and finally onto the FX barrel sleeve i extended with a +100 mm adapter.
That worked just fine for many years, with the one problem that the CF pipes would bend the barrel ever so slightly, so you had to be mindful of the indexing of my setup.
Though not a problem CUZ i never pulled the barrel , just the liner once in a while to clean it.

Making carbon fiber tanks, you have to start with a ALU inner tank,,,,,, not only for the properties of CF in general, but also you need something to thread your tank valve´into, and CF alone would be too fragile.

It is like some knife steels, they might hold a edge really good but can then be very fragile otherwise, and a good edge is nothing if it is chipped.